Do you feel that it is time your feline finds a mate and reproduces? Normally when you choose the female gender of feline, you as the pet owner must take part in the mating process by knowing when your feline is sexually matured and selecting a similar breed male cat if it is your choice to allow your cat to mate and have babies.
A sexually matured female cat is often called a “queen” and “estrus” is the term used to represent the queen’s heat cycle. This is similar to the ovulating stage of women. Estrus denotes the sign that a female cat is ready to be receptive to a male cat. Unlike dogs, female cats do not show apparent signs of being in heat, like vaginal bleeding and swollen vulva.
The signs are more accurately determined through their behavior. Research reveals that cats in heat vocalize louder and are more engaging than usual. They show signs of increased desire for attention like rolling on the floor as you walk by or rubbing their fur against your skin, and when you start petting them on the stomach, they would lift their rear end up. The first estrus cycle occurs between ages 6 to 12 months.
In breeding cats, there are several concepts a pet owner needs to take note of to make the consummation a success. One of these primary concepts is knowing the answer to the question how often does a cat go into heat?
Heat cycles for female cats take place for several days and up to two to three weeks, depending on geographic and environmental factors. These factors include age, genetic background or breed, overall health, and the length of her daylight exposure.
The average breeding season for cats is from December through August, spring and fall. Normally, queens do not come off heat unless mated with an unspayed male cat. If they are not mated on the first cycle, the next will occur every other week during the entire breeding season until she gets pregnant.
Professional cat breeders recommend breeding when cats are sexually and emotionally matured. The most accurate way to find out when this is, is after two heat cycles. If your feline goes through her first mating season, keep her indoors during her first heat cycle and call your veterinarian immediately to inform him or her. Veterinarians have a list of reputable breeders. You must be cautious not to let your feline be mated with untested toms (male cat) especially when he has never been spayed before. This way, you may also prevent unwanted birth of litters.
Visit your veterinarian now to learn more about feline pregnancy.